Personal Hygiene for Women and Children Part 1
Published: 01 December, 2008
Personal hygiene is the first step to good grooming and good health. Elementary cleanliness is common knowledge. Neglect causes problems that you may not even be aware of. Many people with bad breath are blissfully unaware of it. Some problems may not be your fault at all but improving standards of hygiene will control these conditions. Dandruff is a case in point. More often than you know, good looks are the result of careful and continuous grooming.
Health Seminar Underway
Published: 25 November, 2008
Liaison Officer of WAHO, Mr. Momolu V.O. Sirleaf
A week-long health seminar involving 30 health personnel from the 15 political subdivisions of the country has gotten underway, with a call on the participants to build on the skills that will be accrued to foster a health campaign that will engender meaningful impact on citizens.
US Team Donates Dental Supplies to Schools
Published: 25 November, 2008
Medical supplies that were donated
A quarter ton of dental and surgical supplies have been donated to the Youth in Stand of Humanity and Development Action (YOSHUDEA Inc). The supplies were donated by Health Care Volunteer based in California, the United States of America (USA) at a cost of US$30,000.
Mobile Clinic Calls for Help
Published: 20 November, 2008
Mr. Chancy Chea-Bolo
A team of medical staff known as New Life Mobile Clinic Incorporated (NLMCI), giving free medical aid to residents in rural areas on a monthly basis, has disclosed that, they are running out of funds and medical supplies. The team is therefore calling on individuals and friendly institutions for urgent assistance to carry on its program.
Minister Gwenigale and Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield toasting to the better health of both peoples Photo by Alaskai Moore Johnson
MOH Gets US$47M for Basic Health Services
Published: 17 November, 2008
MONROVIA, Health Minister Walter G. Gwengalie and United States Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield last Friday announced a US$47 million grant from the US Government Liberia’s Health Ministry for a five-year health sector development program.
Kolahun Health Workers Lay down Tools
Published: 11 November, 2008
Flashback: Partial inside view of Kolahun Hospital
LOFA COUNTY, More than 40 health workers including all physician assistants, professional support staff and nurses at Kolahun Hospital in Kolba City have begun a go-slow strike action in demand of salary arrears and better working conditions.
Drs. Gwengalie (r) with umbrella and Ndayimirije (l) leading the Walk Photo by A. M. Johnson
MOH, Others in 5Km Pregnant Mothers' 'Empathy' Walk
Published: 10 November, 2008
A health worker demonstrating some pregnant mothers’ difficulties Photo by A. M. Johnson
MONROVIA, Members of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MoHSW) family, the UN Families and others took part in a 5km walk, which was done in “recognition/empathy with pregnant women, who are walking long distances to access maternal health care facilities.”
WHAT IS MALE IMPOTENCY?
Published: 03 November, 2008
Male impotency or sexual weakness in men commonly referred to as impotency, is the inability to obtain and maintain an erection for satisfactory sexual intercourse. It can affect the lives of many middle-aged men and their partners. Although impotency is more common in men older than 65 years, it can occur at any age. An occasional episode of impotency may occur in most men, but this is considered normal.
Dr. Ndayimirije (L): ‘ The conduct of this trial will bring added value to strengthening research capacity of LIBR’
WHO Donates Drugs, Equipment, Vehicles to MoHSW
Published: 29 October, 2008
MONROVIA, The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MoHSW) was the proud recipient of over US$780,000 worth of drugs, equipment and vehicles on Monday, October 27, 2008, from the United Nations' World Health Organization (WHO).
JFK on Ellen's 1000 Days in Office
Published: 24 October, 2008
MONROVIA, As the public x-rays President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf's Government's performance on its 1000 days in office, there have been various views on her Government's successes and failures in the last 1,000 days since she took the Oath of Office on January 16, 2006. Wednesday, October 22, 2008, marked exactly 1,000 days in the Executive Mansion.
'Political Will Needed in Tackling Malnutrition’
Published: 23 October, 2008
Dr Bernice Dahn, Chief Medical Officer of the Republic of Liberia and Acting Minister, MoHSW
MONROVIA, Liberia's health authorities, stakeholders and foreign partners have called for considerable political will in tackling malnutrition in the country.
Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy Enlarged Prostate (Big Prostate) Part III
Published: 20 October, 2008
The Prostate is a small gland at the base of the urinary bladder. It produces a fluid which protects and nourishes the sperm cells. At the time of ejaculation, the fluid mixes with the sperm and secretions from other glands to produce the ejaculate. The location of the prostate is close to the bladder neck and surrounds the urethra, (the tube that conducts the urine outside the body). The first part of the urethra, as it leaves the urinary bladder, is surrounded by the prostate. This means that any condition that affects the prostate, such as an enlargement of the gland; inflammation of the gland or cancer, can cause urinary out-let symptoms.
Students at the occasion share a moment of hand-washing fun
MOH, Partners on Hand Washing, Hygiene
Published: 16 October, 2008
The Government through the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MOH/SW), in collaboration with its partners, yesterday observed this year's Global Hand Washing Day at the campus of Monrovia Demonstration Elementary School.
BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERTROPHY AN ENLARGED PROSTATE GLAND BIG PROSTATE
Published: 13 October, 2008
The Prostate gland is a male reproductive organ that produces the fluid that carries sperm cells during ejaculation. It surrounds the urethra (the tube through which the urine passes out of the body) at the base of the urinary bladder. An enlarged prostate means the gland has grown bigger. Prostate enlargement happens to almost all men as they get older. As the gland grows, it can press on the urethra, and causes urination and bladder problems. An enlarged prostate is often called benign prostate hyperplasia or BHP or BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERTROPHY. It is not cancer, and it does not raise your risk for prostate cancer.
Participants of the meeting Photo by Alaskai Moore Johnson
MoHSW Ends Mental Health Policy Meeting
Published: 07 October, 2008
The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MoHSW) has ended a two-day stakeholders' meeting for the formulation of a mental health policy and plan for the country.
Acute Retention of Urine
Published: 06 October, 2008
Retention of urine is the inability to pass urine voluntarily when the bladder is full. It can come on abruptly (acute retention) or can develop slowly over months (chronic retention). This is different and distinct from when the kidneys fail to produce urine, (kidney failure). In retention, the urinary bladder is distended with urine, but the passage from the bladder, (the urethra) is blocked either from within, as in the case of urethral stricture, or from without, as in the case of an enlargement of the prostate gland.
Dr. Dahn Outlines Causes of Maternal Death
Published: 01 October, 2008
Dr. Bernice Dahn Photo by Alaskai Moore Johnson
MONROVIA, Official figures on Liberia's maternal mortality rate suggest a double increase from 578 per 100,000 in 1999/2000 to 994 per 100,000 in 2007.
US$70,000 Mental Health Hospital Dedicated
Published: 30 September, 2008
DEA Director Jaddah cuts ribbon at the dedication ceremony
A US$70,000 Mental Health Hospital, located on the Duport Road in Paynesville and constructed by CAP Anamur (Emergency German Doctors), was dedicated on Thursday, September 25, 2008.
New Malaria Drug Launched
Published: 29 September, 2008
MONROVIA, A new drug set to combat malaria has been launched in the country. The medicine named and styled ARCO was launched by a Chinese company, Kunming Pharmaceutical Corporation, at Monrovia City hall in downtown Monrovia on Saturday, September 27, 2008.
World First Aid Day Observed
Published: 16 September, 2008
The Liberia National Red Cross Society (LNRCS) is joining other Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies around the world to celebrate World First Aid Day.
Chest Pain in Adults (Grown-ups) Part Two
Published: 15 September, 2008
Pain is an unpleasant feeling associated with actual or potential tissue damage and mediated by special nerve fibers to the brain where its conscious appreciation may be modified by various factors. Pain follows the bumps and bruises encountered in daily life, and all persons have experienced unpleasant but innocent headaches, sore throats, and muscle stitches. Pain that seems to originate in the chest generates far greater concern because it may announce the presence of severe, occasionally life-threatening disease. The new onset of chest pain and what it may connote provokes anxiety and fright; consequently, it is one of the symptoms most likely to cause the victim to seek prompt medical attention.
L-r: Drs. Dahn, Gwenigalie, Ndayimirije and Cooper standing with drugs cartons and the car Photo by A. M. Johnson
WHO Gives US$48,763 Leprosy Drugs, Car to Health Ministry
Published: 15 September, 2008
The vehicle Photo by A. M. Johnson
MONROVIA, The World Health Organization (WHO), through its Monrovia office, has donated a consignment of leprosy drugs and a vehicle, both at a cost of US$48,763, to the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MoHSW).
L-r: Drs. Dahn, Gwenigalie, Ndayimirije and Cooper standing with drugs cartons and the car Photo by A. M. Johnson
WHO Gives US$48,763 Leprosy Drugs, Car to Health Ministry
Published: 15 September, 2008
The vehicle Photo by A. M. Johnson
MONROVIA, The World Health Organization (WHO), through its Monrovia office, has donated a consignment of leprosy drugs and a vehicle, both at a cost of US$48,763, to the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MoHSW).
Mr. Eid explains while Minister Gwenigale and others look on
For Every 100,000 Births 1,000 Women Die
Published: 12 September, 2008
Liberia's Health Minister Dr. Walter Gwenigale has disclosed that due to shortage of doctors, for every 100,000 women that give birth in Liberia almost 1,000 of them die.
Kimmie Weeks (center of pressmen) presents medical supplies to Ms. Cooper
YAI Gives to JFK, Primary Schools
Published: 12 September, 2008
The American-based organization, Youth Action International (YAI), has donated a consignment of assorted medical supplies valued at US$50,000 to the John F. Kennedy (JFK) Medical Center. The organization has also made separate donations of over 1,000 boxes of books and school supplies to Project School in Stephen Tolbert Estate and the Becky Primary School in Margibi County.
New Fistula Operating Theatre for JFK Soon
Published: 09 September, 2008
Scot Philanthopist Ann H. Gloag, (Courtesy Times online)
MONROVIA, Scot philanthropist Ann H. Gloag, who is currently involved with repair works on two of the major floors of the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center (JFK) in Monrovia, has disclosed that there will a new fistula operating theatre at the hospital upon completion of the work.
AIDS Sufferers' Rights Bill Introduced
Published: 04 September, 2008
Rep. Barr: 'We want people with the virus protected'
MONROVIA, A Bill seeking to protect people living with the deadly disease HIV/AIDS has been introduced for passage into law by members of the House of Representative.
Sightsavers Donates “Project Vehicle” to Health Ministry
Published: 01 September, 2008
Dr. Moses Pewu
The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MoHSW) was, on Friday, August 29, 2008, the recipient of a jeep from the international non-governmental organization, Sightsavers. The car is to enhance the work of the project staff in the southeastern counties of the country.
What Is the Function of the Low Back?
Published: 18 August, 2008
The low back serves a number of important functions for the human body. These functions include structural support, movement and protection of certain organs and tissues of the body.
Breast Cancer Takes another Minor Sister
Published: 12 August, 2008
For many years the females of the Minor family in Paynesville have been plagued with cancer deaths. On Monday, August 11, 2008, the youngest daughter in the family, Dolly Minor-Briameh who was married to Gabriel Briameh, one of the late Chief Tamba Taylor's sons, fell victim to breast cancer, 16 months after her sister, Nettie Minor-Brown, died from similar cause. She was 43.
Here we do not want to talk about sex and the use of condoms due to culture and religion but 10-year-olds are getting pregnant,” Health Minister Dr. Walter Gwenigale said Monday, August 11, 2008, in Monrovia.
Two of the medical doctors from the USA at JFK Hospital
MONROVIA, The Emergency Department of the nation's lead referral and teaching hospital, John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital, has received a major boost with a team of medical specialists from the United States of America.
Liberia Still Has Good Doctors
Published: 04 August, 2008
Dr. Lillian Sanvee Photo by A Tucker
The myth that hemorrhoid or what is referred to as “piles” has severe complications or highly risky if treatment is pursued through surgical procedure is farfetched. Many people believe that hemorrhoids can successfully be cured through herbal means. However, in the midst of the divergence of opinions, a 20-minute procedural surgery performed by Dr. Lillian Sanvee, Medical Director and Administrator of the St. Joseph's Catholic Hospital, has proven that surgical removal of hemorrhoid (hermorrhoidectomy) is the most successful way to treat large internal hemorrhoids. Surgical means give better and long-term results than herbal and fixation procedures.
Former US President Bill Clinton and President Sirleaf in a handshake Photo by Sando Moore
Lower Prices for Malaria Drugs
Published: 04 August, 2008
MONROVIA, Former United States President William Jefferson Clinton says more affordable and effective drugs now exist for the treatment of malaria. The new malaria drug, Artemissinin-based Combination Therapy (ACT), he said, could cure malaria within three days.
Foreign Doctors Expected for Fistula Campaign
Published: 01 August, 2008
Dr. Mulbah
The program manager of the Liberia Fistula Unit, Dr. John Mulbah, has disclosed that four foreign doctors are expected in the country to team up with their counterparts in Liberia to help accelerate the fistula campaign currently being carried out in the country.
Health Ministry Officials Return from ECOWAS Assembly
Published: 01 August, 2008
A three-man delegation of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare returned home after attending the 9th Ordinary Assembly of Health Ministers of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), 6th Steering Committee of the West African Regional Health Program (WARP), Ordinary meeting of Health Experts of ECOWAS and WAHO Liaison Officers' meeting in Cotonou, Benin, from July 20-26.
“A.M.Dogliotti College is a Step Child”
Published: 25 July, 2008
Dr Benson Barh
A former Dean of the A. M. Dogliotti College of Medicine at the University of Liberia has slam condition at the country's only medical college likening it to treatment of a “step child”.
Improve Medical School Facilities for Liberians
Published: 24 July, 2008
(r-l) Abby Tubman and Jaheedah Roane
Two visiting medical students from the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Jersey, the United States of America, are appealing to the Liberia Government and donor partners to put in place the necessary mechanism for medical schools that will encourage young Liberians dreaming of becoming medical doctors.
WHO Rep: “These drugs will help people suffering from river blindness”
WHO Gives US$12.5M Drugs
Published: 24 July, 2008
MONROVIA, Over US$12.5 million dollar worth of medical drugs that cure river blindness has been donated by the World Health Organization (WHO) to the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MOHSW), Wednesday, July 23, 2008.
Epilepsy (Fits) (Seizure Disorders) Part III
Published: 21 July, 2008
Seizure Epilepticus is either a seizure lasting longer than 30 minutes or repeated seizures without a return to normality in between them. It is most common in children younger than two years, and most of these children have generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Status epilepticus is very serious. With any suspicion of a long seizure, you should call for emergency help.
At Nat'l Health Plan Confab
Published: 15 July, 2008
Dr. Gwenigale: ‘More needs to be done’
MONROVIA, Showers of praises were poured on the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MoHSW) by its international partners attending the first day of a three-day national conference on the Review of Implementation of the National Health Plan.
A seizure occurs when the brain functions abnormally, resulting in a change in movement, attention, or level of awareness. Different types of seizures may occur in different parts of the brain and may be localized (affect only a part of the body) or widespread (affect the whole body). Seizures may occur for many reasons, especially in children. Seizures in newborns may be very different from seizures in toddlers, school-aged children, and adolescents. Seizures, especially in a child who has never had one, can be frightening to the parent or caregiver.
Health Ministry Begins Year 1 Revision of 5-Yr. Policy
Published: 14 July, 2008
Dr. Gwenigale: ‘I am eager to share the Ministry’s progress…’
MONROVIA, More than 200 international and local healthcare specialists and advocates are expected today to begin a national health policy revision conference sponsored by the Ministry of Health & Social Welfare (MoHSW), Health Minister Dr. Walter T. Gwenigale disclosed to reporters, at a press conference, held at his Ministry over the weekend.
Nimba Fistula Project Receives US$500,000 Grant
Published: 11 July, 2008
The Cristofell Blinden Mission-sponsored Vasico Vaginal Fistula (VVF) Project in Ganta, Nimba County, has received a US$500,000 grant from its Australian partner to facilitate the project
Toothache is one of the most unbearable conditions that can be experienced by a person. It can be throbbing, continuous pain, totally disrupting normal day-to-day work or it can be severe, unrelenting pain which can make a person scream in agony.
24 Pregnant Women HIV Positive in Bong
Published: 27 June, 2008
One of the victims
BONG COUNTY, The County Chief Medical Officer (CMO) for Bong, Dr Garfee T. Williams, has disclosed that 24 pregnant women have been confirmed HIV positive.
A man, 50 years old, came to see me a couple months ago. He was gay and complained of having marked decrease in sexual desire and ability. This is of course a very sensitive and embarrassing subject for any man, and the patient had difficulty in discussing his problem with me. He wanted to know if this was a normal aging process or if it could be his andropause since he had read about male menopau
